Groundbreaking Findings on Hospital Financial Assistance Programs Released by Dollar For

Dollar For Exposes $14 Billion Shortfall in Hospital Charity Care Programs

In a groundbreaking study released by Dollar For, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting patients in accessing hospital charity care, shocking findings have been revealed. The research conducted in 2023 uncovered a staggering $14 billion shortfall in the amount of charity care hospitals provide to eligible patients.

All nonprofit hospitals in the United States are mandated to offer free or discounted care to individuals who meet specific income requirements. Despite this requirement, Dollar For’s study found that hospitals are failing to provide the necessary debt relief for their charity care-eligible patients. This shortfall highlights a significant issue in the healthcare system that is leaving many patients burdened with medical debt.

Furthermore, the study also shed light on the challenges patients face in accessing financial assistance from hospitals. Only 29% of patients with unaffordable hospital bills were able to learn about, apply for, and receive charity care. The majority of patients reported receiving no information at all from their healthcare providers regarding financial assistance. Additionally, the study revealed a troubling racial disparity, with Black patients having a 62% lower probability of being approved for charity care compared to other races.

Jared Walker, the founder of Dollar For, emphasized the importance of rethinking charity care programs to ensure they reach the patients who need them most. He stated, “A medical crisis shouldn’t turn into a financial crisis. But unfortunately for most people, it does. Hospitals and the government have the power to change that.”

Dollar For is committed to advocating for policy changes and working collaboratively with hospitals and policymakers to make charity care more accessible, transparent, and fair for all patients. The organization’s efforts aim to address the systemic issues within hospital financial assistance programs and ensure that patients receive the support they need during times of medical crisis.

As the healthcare system continues to evolve, it is crucial for hospitals to prioritize the well-being of their patients and provide adequate support through charity care programs. Dollar For’s research serves as a wake-up call for the healthcare industry to reevaluate and improve their financial assistance offerings to better serve those in need.